Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  CMAX Meets expectations - 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Linda Schifferle - July 24 - 9:43 am

  First off there are no tax credits available, because it is not a plug in...check out the CMAX Energi....but the first tank of gas lasted to almost 600 miles and accumulated MPGs =41. It is far easier to park with the standard backup camera, and space inside is comfortable in both front & back seat. Cargo space is enough for my traveling gym equipment, musical instruments, & a few filled grocery bags & the retractable cover is handy to conceal contents. Handling the vehicle in driving indicates a quick response to sudden steering changes with stability of holding, reasonable acceleration for merging or lane change or sudden evasive moves to avoid another vehicle. I like the interior lighting around the key entrance, and the turn signal lights on the rearview mirrors gives extra visibility to traffic.

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  Good so far - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pappy56 - July 23 - 8:24 pm

  Only owned the car a couple of days but I love it. For a 3600 lb. vehicle with a 4 cyl. the acceleration is amazing. Handling is real good too. Traded in a 2010 Sport Fusion for it and it doesnt feel like I lost a lot. Gas milage so far for me is 37mpg so that will take some improvement. Seats are comfortable. The Blind Spot mirrors are somewhat of a throwback but they work. The power liftgate comes as advertised. Swipe your foot under the bumper to open or close. The panoramic sunroof does not open but its huge. The sunshade is slightly transparent so I can see this being a problem when the hot weather rolls in. It will take a long time to master MyFord Touch.

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  Transmission Issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mpainton - July 23 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased my Focus Titanium after careful research. I had major transmission issues within the 1st 3 days. It will take 6 to 8 weeks to get the necessary parts, which will be made outside of the US. The transmission hesitated so badly that I was stuck entering into traffic and almost caused an accident. Very scary . . . I was told by the Ford mechanic that he clutch, bearings and other parts were faulty and designed badly.

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  Nightmare purchase - 2016 Ford F-150
  By Smarty Jones - July 23 - 12:22 am

  If poor engineering, fake specifications, bad customer service from the dealership and no help from the corporate office is what you desire then welcome home to Ford! My 2016 F-150 struggles to pull my bass boat, dry weight only 2400 pds, up sharp inclines. Short on-ramps on the interstate are a special treat. Hitting the breaks to a dead stop before being killed is something you should be prepared for with this one. Its a pooch and not going to haul anything except a few bags of groceries home or a some trash bags to the dump in back. Totally worthless hauler no matter what the specs say. The favorable reports here are more than likely plants, Ford employees or both. Run like a scalded dog to Chevy or Dodge if you want a real truck. Ford F-150 is a toy, nothing more.

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  My best truck ever - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Gary Allen - July 22 - 11:26 am

  After owning 5 different Ford F150 pickups during the past 21 years, this is without a doubt the finest truck I have ever owned. Overall performance is unequaled, it is as quiet and comfortable as a car, and it is also as tough and solid as a brick. Simply put... the truck is exquisite!

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  I rented one for a Month! - 2017 Ford Mustang
  By Nicholas Ferri - July 21 - 8:11 pm

  I rented an Ecoboost in Tucson, AZ and drove it to Chicago, IL and back. I put over 4,000 miles on it. The 4 cylinder engine has a lot of Power, especially on the high end. This Car is a "Total Blast" to drive, I just wish the driver seat reclined.

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  17 months later - 2007 Ford Focus
  By John Brophy - July 21 - 1:43 pm

  I leased this car because I was tired of using my Toyota Solara as a truck and I needed a vehicle for my many trips to Home Depot and did not feel the need for an SUV. I wanted something smaller that would serve my purposes. This Focus Hatchback has exceeded my expectations. It is fun to drive and the 4 cylinder Mazda engine is extremely quiet and it will haul you away from a stop that will leave other drivers wondering whats under the hood. Ive carried a 6000 watt generator, 13x13 rolled rug, ladders, power tools and more shrubs, fertilizer and potting soil than I can count. The cargo area just swallows cargo.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Mustang
  By Mustang Mike - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car, and I love it every time I drive it. Whenever I get in, I am greeted by the wonderful ergonomics of the car (Dont understand the complaints on the radio) Very fast, very fun. A great bang-for-your-buck.

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  awesome car- - - ->ford mustang! - 2003 Ford Mustang
  By jks - July 21 - 2:00 am

  this is da most awesome car ive ever had, awesome breaks, good gas mileage. great everything!!!!

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  My Focus Nightmare - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ARF - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a piece of junk since day 1. Transmission problems, shifter problems, power window problems. An on going problem with the trunk not staying closed. Been back to the incompetant liars at Bill Marine Ford about 15 times in 1 and a half years. Cant wait to get a Honda!